Why People Fail in Job Interviews? Whom to Blame?

HunarNama Editorial - Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar

During my leadership career, which spanned over two decades and involved interviewing thousands of candidates, I observed: Highly qualified professionals and remarkably intelligent youth possess substantial knowledge about their subjects. However, they often need more practical competencies for the jobs they seek. This gap between knowledge and Competency is a critical issue that needs addressing. Many young candidates must adequately prepare for their interviews, neglecting to understand and develop the specific skills and competencies necessary for their desired roles.

To illustrate this point, I will share an experience from my tenure as a member of the hiring panel for a Project Manager position in construction, maintenance, and repair at a renowned university in Pakistan. One of the fundamental competencies we evaluated was the candidate's awareness and implementation of work safety protocols. During the interview, I posed a straightforward scenario to all applicants: "We need to repair a window on the third floor of this building. How would you initiate the process?" I further clarified that the university was operational, with classes in session.

Regrettably, none of the candidates, when faced with the scenario of repairing a window on the third floor of a building with ongoing classes, considered the crucial safety step of cordoning off the area. This oversight starkly revealed a significant deficiency in their cognitive and practical competence. I pose a simple question to the youth aspiring for jobs: Would you hire any of these candidates? If your answer is yes, consider the potential consequences. A person lacking safety competence in the workforce could lead to an inadequately managed construction site, potentially causing injuries or even fatalities among your colleagues or loved ones.

The above scenario underscores a broader dilemma that extends beyond individual candidates to the government, educational systems, parents, and society. We must address this competency gap urgently to ensure that our youth are not just knowledgeable, but also capable of applying their knowledge effectively in real-world scenarios. This situation and the above example require a concerted effort to revamp our educational curricula, emphasizing practical skill development, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional preparation. Only then can we ensure that our young people are genuinely ready to meet the demands of the job market and contribute safely and effectively to their professions.

Let's discuss what "Competency" I am talking about and elaborate on its concept.

The International Labour Office Glossary of Key Terms on Learning and Training for Work defines Competency as "An individual's demonstrated ability to undertake tasks and duties to the standard expected in a job or in an occupation."

For any position, the hiring team evaluates candidates at four levels:

1. Knowledge is a theoretical understanding of a subject.
2. Skills include practical abilities to perform tasks.
3. Attitudes are behavioral and emotional attributes necessary for effective performance. We can use soft skills for this category.
4. Performance standards and awareness about the workplace where you are an aspiring candidate. Candidates who have cognitive, functional, and personal/interpersonal competencies are selected for positions.

There are the core competencies required to land a job successfully. Several educational models have emerged to empower candidates' competencies and enhance their readiness for job markets to fill the gap in competencies. Among these, a few worth mentioning are  

• Competency-based education (CBE) Model focuses on outcomes and allows learners to progress at their own pace once they demonstrate mastery.
• Experiential Learning Model involves learning through reflection on doing, such as internships, co-op programs, and hands-on projects.
• Problem-based learning (PBL) encourages learners to solve real-world problems, enhancing their critical thinking and practical skills.
• Simulation and Role-Playing Model provides realistic scenarios for learners to practice and refine their skills.
• Blended Learning combines online digital media with traditional classroom methods to create a more flexible and effective learning experience.

All these different models empower youth competencies. As we know, Skills training/vocational programs are designed for specific trades and professions to strengthen individuals' competencies, focusing on hands-on skills and real workplace scenarios. Moreover, Professional Certification, including Programs like PMP (Project Management Professional) or CPA (Certified Public Accountant), sometimes certifies competencies in specific fields. By looking into the general education scheme, we see an urgent need to contemplate such issues, and the overall academic programs must be competency-based.

In Pakistan, the National Skills University Islamabad, a distinct technology university, mainly focuses on developing competence among its learners, thus creating a capable and adaptable workforce, fostering personal development, and meeting the demands of a rapidly changing world. There are several reasons for adopting competency-based education; however, a few worth mentioning are:

1. Alignment with Workforce Needs

The CBE directly aligns educational outcomes with the skills and competencies employers require, ensuring that graduates are job-ready. This alignment helps bridge the gap between education and employment, enhancing employability and productivity.

2. Personalized Learning

The CBE allows learners to progress at their own pace, based on mastery of specific competencies rather than time spent in class. This personalized approach accommodates diverse learning styles and paces, catering to individual needs and helping all students achieve their full potential.

3. Focus on Mastery

Traditional education often advances students based on seat time and credit hours, which can leave gaps in understanding. CBE ensures that students achieve a high level of proficiency in each Competency before moving on, leading to a deeper and more robust understanding of the subject matter.

4. Enhanced Engagement

By connecting learning to real-world applications, CBE makes education more relevant and engaging for students. This relevance fosters motivation and interest, as learners can see the direct impact of their education on their future careers and personal goals.

5. Flexibility and Accessibility

CBE offers flexible learning pathways, which are especially beneficial for nontraditional students, such as working adults, parents, and those with other commitments. Online and blended CBE programs provide opportunities for learners who may not be able to attend traditional, on-campus classes.

6. Cost-Effectiveness

Since CBE allows students to progress based on Competency rather than time, it can reduce the time and cost required to complete a degree or certification. Students who demonstrate prior knowledge and skills can accelerate their learning, saving money on tuition and other expenses.

7. Accountability and Transparency

CBE programs are designed with clear learning outcomes and assessments, making measuring and documenting student progress easier. This transparency ensures educators and learners understand expectations and achievements, facilitating continuous improvement and accountability.

8. Support for Lifelong Learning

CBE fosters a mindset of lifelong learning by emphasizing the continuous acquisition and application of skills. This approach is essential in a rapidly changing job market where new skills are constantly in demand. It prepares individuals to adapt and thrive in various career roles and industries.

9. Improvement of Educational Quality

By focusing on attaining competencies, CBE encourages educational institutions to continually assess and improve their curricula, teaching methods, and assessment strategies. This continuous improvement leads to higher academic standards and better student outcomes.

10. Global Competitiveness

In a globalized economy, CBE enhances the workforce's competitiveness by ensuring that individuals possess the skills and competencies needed to compete internationally. Standardized competencies also facilitate the recognition of qualifications across borders, supporting global mobility and collaboration.

Numerous other benefits of the CBE exist, and there is an urgent need for the following directions in the future.

• Integration of Technology: Using AI and data analytics to personalize learning experiences and provide real-time feedback.
• Micro-Credentials and Badges: Recognizing and credentialing specific competencies through micro-credentials and digital badges that can be stacked to form more extensive qualifications.
• Global Standards: Developing international frameworks for competencies to facilitate global recognition and transferability of skills.

Competency-based education is crucial for creating a system responsive to learners' needs and the workforce's demands. It provides a flexible, efficient, and practical approach to learning that prioritizes mastery, relevance, and lifelong development.

Youth also have a responsibility as they navigate their educational and career paths; one critical question they must always ponder is: "Is the education I am receiving from my institution empowering me with the competencies needed for my aspired job?" This introspective query can significantly influence their readiness for the job market and shape the trajectory of their lives.

By regularly reflecting on this question, young individuals can ensure that their education aligns with their career goals. This process involves identifying the skills and knowledge required for their desired roles and assessing whether their current educational experience provides these competencies. If gaps are identified, they can seek additional learning opportunities, such as online courses, workshops, or internships, to bridge them. This proactive approach enhances their preparedness for the workforce. It sets a clear and intentional direction for their personal and professional development, ensuring they are well-equipped to achieve their career aspirations.

Educational institutions worldwide must consider whether existing curricula and prevailing pedagogical practices are developing competencies among youth for workplaces. There is also a need to standardize competencies across the globe. The Global Competency Framework, strengthened by contemporary and emerging technologies, could be a potential powerhouse for enhancing youth mobility. It is pertinent to mention here that several countries, like Pakistan, possess a wealth of youth who need to be empowered with appropriate skills and competencies to serve their nation and across the globe.